Staff file photo... Dave Ferro, CEO of Dublin, Ohio-based SOBE Thermal Energy Systems LLC, stands outside the former Youngstown Thermal plant on North Avenue.

YOUNGSTOWN — The public will have a chance to weigh in on a proposal by SOBE Thermal Energy Systems LLC to use shredded bits of tires to convert into gas to provide steam energy from its downtown plant.

An informational meeting and hearing by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on the controversial plan is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center, 903 Otis St.

The Ohio EPA already has granted a draft air pollution control permit to install and operate a thermolyzer unit to process the chips of tires at the facility, the former Youngstown Thermal plant at 205 North Ave.

Doing so allows the Ohio EPA in the permit process to solicit comments from the public before the agency makes a final decision.

A thermolyzer is a nonincineration technology that recycles all hydrocarbon waste materials into a synthetic gas, according to the Ohio EPA. The type of unit also commonly is referred to as pyrolysis.

“In this case, the gas will fuel two on-site boilers,” a release announcing the meeting states.

According to the draft permit from July 6, SOBE is proposing the unit would power two existing natural gas boilers that provide steam for various buildings in downtown Youngstown. The boilers, the permit states, would burn the synthetic gas, along with natural gas.

The company has provided the Ohio EPA confirmation the facility will not accept solid waste for the pyrolysis unit, which is also a condition and term written into the draft permit.

SOBE has more than 40 heating and cooling customers in the downtown area.

SOBE, based in Dublin, Ohio, acquired the former Youngstown Thermal LLC and Youngstown Thermal Cooling LLC in November 2021 for $250,000. The company had managed the facility for about two years prior.

Before taking over, Youngstown Thermal had numerous problems for years operating its cooling system — leaving the handful of downtown businesses that used it without air conditioning during the summer months.

Youngstown Thermal was placed into receivership in 2017 after the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio was informed by the company’s former CEO that the business had financial struggles that could have caused an energy crisis downtown. Youngstown Thermal couldn’t ensure adequate service to its customers and was in danger of insolvency when the PUCO stepped in.

SOBE has come under a bit of fire for the plan.

Opponents claim the company needs the OK from Youngstown for a zoning permit for the proposal; SOBE’s chief executive disagrees. Rather, David Ferro said the only approval that’s needed is from the Ohio EPA.

SOBE Concerned Citizens, a group opposed to the project, has given petitions signed by 553 city residents urging Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, city council and the planning commission to take action to not grant a permit for the plant, 205 North Ave.

Several city officials say they oppose the gasification project, but it’s a state issue and not a Youngstown decision.

COMMENTS

The Aug. 10 information meeting will be followed by a public hearing for comments on the draft permit.

Written comments also can be submitted through Aug. 24 by email at dapcne.comments@epa.ohio.gov or by mail to 2110 E. Aurora Road, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. Reasonable accommodations due to a disability are available at the meeting.

For more information about the draft permit, go to the Ohio EPA website at epa.ohio.gov. The draft permit also is available for review at Ohio EPA’s Northeast District Office, 2110 E. Aurora Road, Twinsburg, by calling 330-963-1200 for an appointment.

rselak@tribtoday.com